In 2019 Google made a big announcement for the hearing world. Their new Android 10 operating system now includes Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA).
The ASHA protocol finally allowed Android devices to stream audio directly into hearing aids using Bluetooth Low Energy.
In the years since 2019, most major hearing manufacturers have adopted the ASHA protocol in Bluetooth-style devices. But not all devices are created equal.
In this guide, we’ll look at how Bluetooth streaming in Android devices works along with its limitations.
We’ll also look at several leading Android streaming hearing aids on the market.
5 Best Hearing Aids For Android Users Reviewed
Our team of audiologists and hearing aid wearers tested more than 50 products in preparation for this guide. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
- 50+ Hours Research Conducted Each Month
- 3 Licensed Audiologists Consulted
- 32 Total Brands Reviewed
- 1,000+ Customer Reviews Considered
First some quick background.
I’ll spare you all the technical details, but a few Bluetooth specifics are important to know. There are two different technical approaches to Bluetooth connection with Android phones.
- ASHA for Android - Designed by Android to connect hearing aids to phones.
- Bluetooth Classic - The same system any headphone uses.
Which connection approach is best for Android users?
Let's take a closer look at both options.
Bluetooth Classic (only available with Phonak)
- Allows hands-free calling and simultaneous connection to multiple devices like your computer, TV, or car speaker
- Notifications are harder to control and annoying since your phone thinks these hearing aids are regular headphones. Some users complain that an incoming text message shifts the hearing aids out of listening mode for a second and interrupts the flow of conversation or focus
- Slightly more complex app connection process
ASHA (available in most other Bluetooth hearing aids)
- Allows for more fine-tuning of notifications
- Slightly easier app connection process
- Requires that you hold your phone close while you stream a call
- Your hearing aids can only connect to one device at a time
What’s the difference between Android and iPhone hearing aid connections?
Both Android and iPhone protocols (MFI and ASHA) are technically very similar, with one major exception. iPhone allows hands-free audio (your hearing aids act as the microphone), and ASHA does not have that capability.
Other helpful resources for Android users.
Not sure if your phone is compatible with hearing aids? Nearly all phones made in the last few years should be compatible. Use the pages below to double check.
Jabra, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, Phonak
If you are trying to connect your Android device to a pair of hearing aids using ASHA, follow these instructions. 👇
- Open your device's Settings app
- Tap Accessibility
- Tap Hearing aids
- Tap Continue
- Tap Pair new device.
- Choose your hearing aid from the list of available devices. Make sure hearing aids are in pairing mode. If you have more than one hearing aid, wait for the first hearing aid to connect, then tap the other hearing aid in the list of available devices. After both are paired, the status displays a message like "Active, left and right."
If you are trying to connect Phonak hearing aids using Bluetooth classic, check out this video. 👇
With all that out of the way, let’s get into the best Android-compatible Bluetooth hearing aids in 2023.
#1. Phonak Audéo Lumity
Phonak hearing aids use Bluetooth Classic to connect with compatible phones. This connection strategy allows hands-free calling among Android hearing aid users.
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Phonak Lumity hearing aids are new in August 2022 and replace the world's most popular hearing aid (Audéo Paradise).
Lumity get’s top marks from audiologists for stable Bluetooth connection, precise customization and impressive accessories like the Phonak Roger Pen.
Think of this hearing aid as the Mercedes level. High-end, built by the world's largest hearing company and packed with all the tech you could want.
- Overall Notes: Audéo Lumity is the #1 hearing aid on the market by sales volume. It offers best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, powerful sound algorithms, remote care, and an innovative ear vent. If you can swing the cost for this premium device, chances are that you'll be very happy.
- Price: The national average price for Phonak Lumity is $6,213 per pair. In my price research I found two larger providers who offer lower prices starting at $2,995/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth and hands-free calling, behind the ear style, motion sensors
- What audiologists say: “Our patients say that the sound is clear and crisp, while maintaining natural sound quality. Patients also love the unique ability to pair with almost any cell phone and take calls hands-free.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Top of the line customization, Bluetooth connection and rechargeable batteries
Enhanced background noise reduction
Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Audeo Lumity is a premium product with an average price of $3,198 - $7,000 per pair
Phonak manages sound quality in a way that can lead to a "closed off" feeling compared to Oticon or ReSound's more open sound quality
#2. Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select is our pick for the best overall value in the category. Their hearing aids use ASHA to connect to Android devices.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
#3. Starkey Genesis AI
Starkey makes the best in-the-ear hearing aid with Bluetooth. Their smallest (IIC) hearing aid does not have Bluetooth, but the next size up (CIC) is impressively close to invisible and streams to Android devices through ASHA.
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Starkey is a U.S.-based manufacturer with a full line of hearing aids that includes behind the ear and in-the-ear styles. They make the list for their elite status in custom molded (nearly invisible products). If you can afford to pay medical-grade prices and want an invisible style, you won’t be disappointed by Starkey.
Starkey is known for intelligent features like fitness tracking, a virtual assistant, and the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the best for custom mold hearing aids. If you want a custom mold, and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Evolv Custom hearing aids is $6,443 per pair. My research indicates that you can get Starkey Custom devices for as low as $2,998 for a pair, and the national average is around $5,500 per pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking for larger devices.
- What audiologists say: “Starkey has been making the smallest and best custom hearing aids for decades. Genesis AI is currently the smallest custom device on the market with Bluetooth streaming capabilities.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Smallest models are almost entirely invisible
Starkey is a leader in comfortable custom molded products
Larger sizes come with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries
This is a premium device which costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
Custom molds require additional lead time and replacement time
The smallest versions of Starkey Genesis AI customs are not Bluetooth enabled or rechargeable
#4. Oticon Real
Oticon Real is an overall leader in the hearing health category. Their hearing aids include impressive AI features and Bluetooth streaming to Android devices through ASHA.
Oticon Real was released in February 2023 and is positioned to become one of the most popular hearing aids in the world.
This hearing aid is rechargeable offers hands-free calling via iPhone and audio streaming via Android.
What makes the Oticon special is the way the hearing aids handle sound. While most hearing aids suppress background noises and prioritize only voice, Oticon Real gives the brain a more natural, full sound landscape.
Oticon used a 360 spherical microphone to capture sounds from 12 million real-life situations to achieve this new approach. Their new Oticon Real model also has some built-in features to increase listening comfort in the presence of intrusive sounds like dog barking or doorbells ringing.
- Overall notes: Oticon Real is an undisputed leader among top-tier hearing aids. If you are attracted to the idea of hearing more of the sounds around you vs. solely focusing on voices, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Oticon Real is $6,330 per pair. In my price research I found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Oticon is among the best. If you are looking for all-around, top-of-the-line technology, this is an excellent choice.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Open sound quality that many users prefer
Bluetooth streaming from Android and Apple devices
Offered with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
Oticon Real hearing aids start at $3,198 and can cost as much as $7,000 with walk in care
Oticon Real hearing aids require a visit to an in person audiologist and are not sold online
#4. ReSound OMNIA
OMNIA is an all-around favorite for its background noise management and sound quality. ReSound also uses ASHA to connect with Android devices.
ReSound unveiled the OMNIA in August 2022 with a clear focus on improving listening in the most challenging background situations. OMNIA replaces the popular ReSound ONE launched in 2020.
The OMNIA looks identical to the previous generation of products but comes with a few notable improvements.
The first is a more powerful Ultra Focus mode. Users can switch their hearing aids into Ultra Focus to listen directly to the person in front of them at a restaurant or meeting. Previous ReSound products had this feature, but OMNIA supercharges its capabilities with a 150% improvement in speech clarity in the loudest environments.
- Overall notes: ReSound OMNIA is an all around excellent product with an innovative approach to microphones and a sleek design. ReSound One has strong Bluetooth connection and long lasting rechargeable batteries.
- Price: The national average price for ReSound OMNIA is $6,595 per pair. In my price research I found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth with hands-free calling for iPhone and iPad, Small behind the ear style
- What audiologists say: “ReSound One offers elegant design and good (if not elite) sound quality. These hearing aids are high quality and reliable.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Innovative M&RIE microphone
Bluetooth streaming from Android and Apple devices
Offered with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
Ultra Focus requires a change using your app
ReSound OMNIA hearing aids start at $3,198 and can cost as much as $7,000 with walk in care
Not available online. ReSound hearing aids require a visit to an in person audiologist
#5. Lucid Engage
Lucid Engage is a welcome example of a quality OTC hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming capabilities. Engage uses ASHA to connect with Android devices.
Lucid Hearing is an under-the-radar brand in the OTC market but has some of the strongest technology and experience. The brand is best known as the manufacturer behind all of the Sam's Club hearing center hearing aids.
The brand released two impressive OTC devices in late 2022. Engage is Lucid's rechargeable, Bluetooth enabled and self-fit hearing aid that sits behind the ear. The product comes in several colors and has one of the most stable Bluetooth connections due to a patented antenna.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Lucid Engage hearing aids online.
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments you can take your hearing aids to a nearby Sam’s Club for free service or call Lucid’s hearing specialists.
- Price: $799 for a pair
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming enabled for Android and iPhone, fully customized to your hearing loss using an app, behind the ear style.
Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
Rechargeable
Self-fit
Packaging and recharge case are less sleek than Bose and Sony
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